South Africa Proteas completed a stunning innings-and-273-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test, sealing a 2-0 series sweep in Chattogram on Thursday.
Keshav Maharaj’s outstanding five-wicket haul wrapped up the match within three days, securing South Africa’s largest-ever Test win and surpassing their innings-and-254-run triumph over Bangladesh in 2017.
The hosts struggled against a fierce Proteas bowling lineup, succumbing to 143 in their second innings after being bundled out for 159 in the first.
Maharaj led the charge with figures of 5-59, while Kagiso Rabada’s 5-37 in the first innings had earlier set the tone for South Africa’s domination.
Bangladesh’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure from the relentless South African bowlers. After finishing their first innings with a meager 159, trailing by a daunting 416 runs, the hosts were immediately sent back in to bat.
Maharaj spearheaded the attack, taking 5-59 in the second innings, while Kagiso Rabada’s impressive 5-37 in the first innings set the tone for South Africa’s dominance.
Maharaj struck early in the second innings, removing Mominul Haque, who had previously been Bangladesh’s most resilient batsman with a first-innings 82, for a duck.
Left scrambling at 48-8 after a series of quick wickets, Bangladesh’s hopes were pinned on experienced players Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
However, all fell cheaply, unable to withstand the Proteas’ onslaught. Mushfiqur, who had failed to score in the first innings, managed only two runs before Senuran Muthusamy trapped him leg-before as he attempted a sweep.
Muthusamy, who partnered effectively with Maharaj, finished with 4-45, claiming crucial wickets at key moments. His first strike came in the form of Mahmudul Hasan Joy, caught sharply by Aiden Markram at slip, setting the tone for Bangladesh’s continued struggle.
Maharaj’s exceptional control and skill proved decisive as he removed Mehidy Hasan for six before ultimately sealing the victory by dismissing Nahid Rana for a duck — his 10th five-wicket haul in Tests.
Bangladesh’s lower order fought briefly through Hasan Mahmud, who displayed a spirited resistance with a quickfire 38 off 30 balls, including four sixes. Yet, his efforts were ultimately in vain as Maharaj clinched the final wicket, closing out the game in emphatic fashion.
Earlier in the match, South Africa’s batting lineup had also enjoyed a spectacular outing. Three Proteas batsmen celebrated maiden Test centuries, with De Zorzi (177), Tristan Stubbs (106), and Wiaan Mulder (105 not out) propelling their team to an imposing first-innings total of 575-6.
The Proteas’ all-round performance underscored their complete control over the series, having also claimed victory in the first Test by seven wickets. Bangladesh, now winless in 16 attempts against South Africa, will look to regroup and address significant challenges with both bat and ball as they head into future contests.
